1979 Citroen Mehari vs. 1989 Lotus Carlton
To start off, 1989 Lotus Carlton is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen Mehari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen Mehari would be higher. At 3,615 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine.
Because 1989 Lotus Carlton is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Lotus Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Citroen Mehari, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Lotus Carlton (569 Nm) has 530 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm). This means 1989 Lotus Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Mehari | 1989 Lotus Carlton | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Mehari | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 601 cc | 3615 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
